FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT

If you are planning to continue with the language you have previously studied in high school, you must complete the appropriate language testing.  It is recommended that even if you are planning to study a new language at Willamette, you should take the placement test in the language you are currently studying.  This strategy will allow you the greatest flexibility when planning your schedule and making future course decisions.

As a general rule, two years of high school study in a language are roughly equivalent to one year of college-level study in that same language.  Of course, the strength and emphasis of individual high school language programs vary greatly, so that placement testing is necessary to assign students to the level of study that is appropriate.  If you have studied a language in high school, but still wish to start out in an entry-level course in that language, it is still necessary that you complete the placement test.

If you need to complete placement testing, please carefully review the instructions that follow to determine what kind of testing is required for your intended language.  These tests are meant to measure your language level as of this moment and to help you find the best level for beginning your study at Willamette.  You should not use language texts or dictionaries as aids, for this will result in inappropriate placement and you will find it difficult to complete the course at your assigned level.

Note:  Remember you cannot completely satisfy the B.A. language requirement on the basis of written placement testing alone.  All students whose placement test results suggest they are beyond the second year level of study will be required to confirm this placement with an oral interview during the Opening Days program.  Placement results and additional information on placement will be available from your advisor when you arrive on campus.

Classical Languages (Ancient Hebrew, Greek or Latin):  Placement testing for classical languages is highly individualized since these languages are the least frequently taught in high schools.  Students who have classical language backgrounds must contact one of the following faculty members over the summer or during the Opening Days program so that a determination of their placement can be made.

Latin:
Dr. Mary Bachvarova
Eaton Hall 305
503-370-6984
Email: mbachvar@willamette.edu

Ancient Greek:
Dr. Mary Bachvarova
Eaton Hall 305
503-370-6984
Email: mbachvar@willamette.edu

Ancient Hebrew:
Dr. David McCreery
Eaton Hall 114
Email: dmccreer@willamette.edu

Chinese:  Placement testing is Mandarin Chinese also highly individualized, given that few students arrive at Willamette having previously studied this language.  Students who have studied Chinese must contact the following faculty member over the summer or during the Opening Days Program:

Dr. Juwen Zhang
Walton Hall 147
503-370-6256
Email: juwen@willamette.edu

French:  Required placement testing is available on the internet at http://www.willamette.edu/cla/placement/.  Follow the link to the French Placement Exam. For those without access to the internet, please telephone the Office of Admission toll-free at 1-877-LIBARTS to request a printed version of the French Placement Exam.  If you take the printed version, you must complete and return it before or at the same time as you return your Course Preference Form.

German: Required placement testing is available on the internet at http://www.willamette.edu/cla/placement/.  Follow the link to the German Placement Exam.  For those without access to the internet, please telephone the Office of Admission toll-free at 1‑877‑LIBARTS to request a printed version of the German Placement Exam. If you take the printed version, you must complete and return it before or at the same time as you return your Course Preference Form.

Japanese:  Required placement testing for those students who have previously studied Japanese consists of a one-hour placement test with a brief listening exercise provided on cassette tapes.  It is designed for students with two years or more of high school Japanese.  There are two sections to the test, the second being for advanced students seeking placement above the second-year level.  Students are encouraged not to use texts or dictionaries during the test for it may lead to erroneous placement.  If you have previously studied Japanese, please contact the Office of Admission immediately to request these placement testing materials.  The toll-free number is 1‑877‑LIBARTS.  You must complete and return this placement testing before or at the same time as you return your Course Preference Form.

Russian:  Placement testing will be completed on an individual basis for those students with previous study of the Russian language.  You must complete this step before or at the same time as you return your Course Preference Form by contacting:

Dr. Mark Conliffe
Smullin 207
Email: mconliff@willamette.edu

Spanish:  Required placement testing is available on the internet at http://www.willamette.edu/cla/placement/.  Follow the link to the Spanish Placement Exam.  For those without access to the internet, please telephone the Office of Admission toll-free at 1-877-LIBARTS to request a printed version of the Spanish Placement Exam. If you take the printed version, you must complete and return it before or at the same time as you return your Course Preference Form